Knowing David but nothing about yoga, I was intrigued to dive into his new book, Only Dead Fish Go With The Flow. What a fantastically unexpected and brilliant read!! It’s in the telling of his personal life journey that instantly grabs you from the opening line of the book… and preps you to be ready for an extraordinary story that’s one hell of an upstream ride!
He delivers his life story with so much sincere and humorous detail that when he relives a moment in time in the book, you’re there, and you live that moment with him…where he goes, you go and experience all the sights, sounds and senses that he did…what David learns on his journey…you learn, and you feel the unspoken wisdom sink in and understand in a way that’s truly felt and comprehended as he has in that moment…when David discovers things that fascinate him, he presents it to you in such detail that you find yourself laughing, nodding your head, holding your breath, in wide-eyed, jaw-dropping “you’ve got to be kidding me” moments…and the true-life characters you meet along the way, you would swear are hand-picked from novels!
It's a book full of life lessons and awareness, humbly and honestly given, told by a dude who has truly lived passionately and fearlessly, honoring his beliefs and principles with humor and kindness - and always, always swimming upstream!! Read this book! Drink in all the beauty of it! A well-lived life that continues, and I’m so jazzed that he shared it! Truth!

~Bill Scarlet, Commercial Film Director, Musician, and lover of art life and food.

This book chronicles one man’s journey through life, but it just so happens that David Swenson is as close as one gets to the top of his chosen discipline of Ashtanga yoga. He would never admit it, but it takes an evolved person to be a great teacher, and this book documents the unshakeable human spirit, unlimited generosity, and extraordinary kindness that has made such an evolution possible. It holds lessons for us all.

~Mikhail Baryshnikov, Artistic Director, Baryshnikov Arts.

This wonderfully engaging book by renowned yoga teacher David Swenson is a fascinating dive into the life and times of one of America’s yoga pioneers. Swenson takes us on an awesome and never-boring adventure that traverses continents and countries, sharing thoughts and insights alongside his journey of self-discovery. Heartfelt, honest, harrowing, and hilarious, Swenson’s book is a delight to read.

~Eddie Stern, author of One Simple Thing, a New Look at the Science of Yoga and How it Can Transform Your Life.

Readers of David’s latest book Only Dead Fish Go With The Flow will enjoy his inspiring, personal tales from a bygone era. A storyteller by nature, we follow David from his upbringing in Texas to his yoga pilgrimage to India in the 70s. We experience him as a young seeker and his years as a devout Hare Krishna devotee, an art dealer, a make-shift carpenter, a massage therapist, and so much more - all vibrantly colored with David’s wise, fun and forever curious spirit.

~Tim Feldman, Teacher and Co-Founder of Miami Life Center

David always inspires me through his wit, dedication, and authenticity. His autobiography made me laugh, cry, and learn. The pictures alone are a history book of yoga in the West. His personal story shows a man in search of truth spurred by curiosity, humility, and vigor.

~Colleen Saidman, Teacher, Founder of Yoga Shanti, and author of Yoga For Life: A Journey to Inner Peace and Freedom.

Since David walked into my class in Encinitas, California, fifty years ago, he has been a dear friend. I, along with everyone he encounters, benefit from his energy and humor. His book is a global journey through his evolution as a yogi. Enjoy his story, the ups, the downs, the accomplishments, and the celebrations.

~David Williams, Ashtanga Pioneer, and author of My Search For Yoga.